Please read the following. The information relates to all OxMG events listed below.

Please scroll down the page for events other than the Winter Talks

In the unlikely event that we have to cancel an event; we will use social media and/or email communication to inform you as early as possible. Please therefore check before setting off on a long journey!​

Winter Talks 2026​

Our winter talks are usually held the first Monday of each month from October-March. There will be a mix of online and in person events, restrictions permitting (see details below).

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For talks held at the amazing Oxford University Museum of Natural History, please arrive between 6.30pm and 6.55pm. OxMG Paid Members are free. Visitors are £3 each. There will be an opportunity for questions at the end and a visit to the Lamb and Flag after.​

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Monday, 9th November 2026 - 19:00 - 20:00

OU Museum of Natural History, Lecture Theatre

Title: Public Perception of Deer Culling in Scotland

by Jessica Frater

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Abstract: Scotland’s relationship with deer is complex. Deer are an important part of Scotland’s ecology, culture, and economy, but their population densities and management are also closely tied to debates around biodiversity, woodland regeneration, land use, and animal welfare. Decisions about how deer are managed therefore require consideration of not only ecological evidence, but also of social and ethical perspectives. This talk will explore Jess’ research into perceptions of deer management in Scotland, as well as what the Scottish deer debate can tell us about the challenges of managing wildlife in landscapes where ecological objectives, livelihoods, cultural traditions, and values may intersect.

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Speaker bio: Jess Frater is a DPhil researcher in the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit at the University of Oxford. Her research examines the human dimensions of wildlife management, with a particular interest in how people perceive the culling of wild herbivores as a tool for population management.

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Monday, 7th December 2026 - 19:00 - 20:00

OU Museum of Natural History, Lecture Theatre

Title: Heat, habitat and the future of African Wild Dogs

by Jennifer Linden

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​Abstract: African wild dogs are one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores, now occupying only a fraction of their historical range. Habitat loss and fragmentation remain major threats, but rising temperatures may place additional pressure on populations by changing when and where wild dogs can be active. In this talk, Jennifer will discuss her PhD research into how heat and habitat shape the persistence of African wild dogs. It draws on topics ranging from continent-wide habitat mapping to body temperature, behaviour and population modelling, and considers what ongoing climate and land-use change could mean for the future of the species.

Bio: Dr Jennifer Linden is a Research Associate at Imperial College London. She completed her PhD in Biology earlier this year at the University of Oxford’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), in collaboration with the Zoological Society of London, where her research focused on African wild dog conservation. Jennifer first began working with African mammals in South Africa, studying the behaviour of wild dwarf mongooses. Her work has since taken her from tracking and collaring wild dogs in South Africa to contributing to international conservation planning for the species, including the IUCN Red List and regional conservation strategy. In her new position, she is looking closer to home, studying biodiversity responses to air pollution across Europe to help inform carbon and climate policy.

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Monday, 11th January 2027

OU Museum of Natural History, Lecture Theatre

– Talk to be confirmed

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Monday, 8th February 2027

OU Museum of Natural History, Lecture Theatre

Title: Primate Behaviour by Grueter

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Monday, 8th March 2027

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OU Museum of Natural History, Lecture Theatre

– Talk to be confirmed

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Ended: 

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Monday, 12th October 2026 - 19:00 - 20:00

OU Museum of Natural History, Lecture Theatre

Title: The Fight Against the Rhino Horn Trade in Vietnam by Dr Michael Smith

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